Almost €670k in funding for Kerry’s local access roads

THE DEPARTMENT of Rural and Community Development has confirmed it will provide €669,930 in funding to Kerry County Council under the Local Improvement Scheme (Local Improvement Scheme) for small private or non-public roads.

It is the fifth-largest sum administered to any county council in the country under this round of funding.

It is, however, a decrease on the funding from this time last year, more than €720,000, which completed 34 roads projects, the department told The Kerryman. Kerry received almost €483,000 in last year’s second round.

The Department explained that local authorities pick out roads to prioritise according to the funding they receive.

Each householder or landowner is required to make a contribution for the repair or maintenance of their road under the scheme, but this year the contribution has been capped at €1,200.

Minister Brendan Griffin TD said the news is a lifeline for people living in rural areas.

“It’s important to remember that many people living in rural areas use these roads every day, so when these roads fall into disrepair, it has a significant impact on them,” he said.

“By investing in the improvement of these roads, we are helping to improve people’s quality of life in Kerry.”

Fianna Fáil General Election Candidate Norma Moriarty said the funding will only cover a small portion of roads currently on the LIS list but that the funding still represents progress.